VitisGen2

Mapping the Way to the Next Generation of Grapes

VitisGen2 is a large, multi-disciplinary, collaborative project focused on decreasing the time, effort and cost involved in developing the next generation of grapes. The project incorporates cutting edge genomics technology and socioeconomic research into the traditional grape breeding and evaluation process. This will speed up the ability to identify important genes related consumer-valued traits like disease resistance, low temperature tolerance and enhanced fruit quality. Identifying these genes will help grape breeding programs from around the world to more rapidly develop new grape varieties that will appeal to a wide range of consumers, while addressing grower and producer needs. Additionally, the scientific resources developed during the project will allow scientists and breeders to address other issues and needs that have regional significance, like salinity or drought tolerance.

VitisGen2 is a continuation of some of the research priorities and projects that were addressed in the first VitisGen collaborative. To learn about the the original project, visit the archived VitisGen webpage.

In The News

Will Europe Embrace Hybrid Wine Grapes? In this Wines and Vines article, Tim Martinson and Bruce Reisch discuss new disease-resistant hybrids and how attitudes and regulations about hybrids are changing in the European Union. This article is based on Bruce’s February VitisGen2 webinar: